Solutions that don’t break the bank, reinvent the wheel or marginalize our teachers are within our grasp. We could have rigorous classes, safe and disciplined schools and treat teachers like valued colleagues rather than easily replaceable cogs, and we could do so tomorrow if we wanted. Disclaimer, this is an opinion and commentary site and should not be confused as a news site. Also know that quite often people may disagree with the opinions posted.

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Thursday, August 7, 2014

The Jacksonville Public Education Fund’s subtle racism, or how they screwed over one of their own.

Samuel Hall is a legitimate school board candidate in
district 2. Where not an educator in the traditional sense, like Shannon
Russell, he has been involved in education and touts his history on his web
site. http://www.samhallcares.com/

One of the things he talks about with some pride is being a
delegate for the Jacksonville Education Fund. This guy has been involved. The
JPEF however couldn’t care less as their board of directors has thrown
their support and thousands of dollars behind Scott Shine, a seemingly career
public servant looking for another line on his resume. If you go to his web
site he is heavy on who has endorsed him but very light on education
accomplishments. http://scottshine.com/ He doesn’t mention the JPEF once.

Oh and besides Hall touting his involvement with the JPEF
and Shine seemingly not even knowing who they are, Hall is black and Shine is
white. It’s not like the JPEF board of directors didn’t have a choice there.

Okay you’re probably thinking but Chris the JPEF board is
supporting Darryl Willie in district 4, how can there be even a hint of racism.
Well they had to pick somebody to support if they wanted to have somebody from
each race win and all the candidates in district 4 are African American. But
rather than support the lifelong resident and incumbent, they chose the new
comer not just to district 4 but also to Jacksonville itself Darryl Willie. http://www.darrylforduval.com/

Willie’s not from the neighborhood and I am told seems much
more comfortable with the members of the chamber of commerce than he does with
the residents in district 4. Perhaps that’s why so many of his campaign
contribution have come from elsewhere.

Am I stretching here? I don’t think so but without a
doubt the JPEF had a real choice in 2, the teacher Shannon Russell, who
undoubtedly knows what our teachers and schools need the most. https://www.facebook.com/ElectShannonRussell
Or Hall who has worked with them in the past and who has education bon a fides
or Shine and they went with Shine.